A DETERMINED dieter refused to let postnatal depression stop her from dropping weight – and is reaping the rewards after scooping a top slimming title.

Alicia Haggarty made two previous attempts to shed stones but was hit by a series of personal problems that set her efforts back.

But now the determined Coatbridge mum-of-two has dropped an incredible six dress sizes by losing four-and-a-half stones in less than a year.

Her inspiring resolve has seen Alicia crowned "Miss Slinky" at her Slimming World group in Coatbridge’s Segton Bar.

A delighted Alicia said: “This was the third time I had joined Slimming World, but previously I wasn’t in the right frame of mind.

“My postnatal depression really ruled my life and I was filled with medication to help the condition. I felt very inadequate as a mother while my husband worked away in the army.

“I struggled to find a photo from my wedding day as I was too embarrassed due to my weight, and I would shy away from the camera.

“But, thanks to the support of my friends at Segton Bar Slimming World, I have transformed my life from a shy, quiet girl to a woman full of confidence.

“It is a true honour to be named ‘Miss Slinky’ by the group and this shows how far I have come in a short space of time.

“One of the things that attracted me to Slimming World was the flexibility and great choices I would have, in terms of meals, to fit around my busy life with two small children. It’s food for all the family, from pizzas, to spaghetti bolognese and curries.”

Alicia Haggarty pictured before her impressive weight loss

Jennifer Stevens, consultant at the Segton Bar-based Slimming World group, was glowing in her praise for Alicia’s achievement.

“The ‘Miss Slinky’ award title is very fitting for the physical transformation in Alicia, and the way her stunning physique now looks.

“Her husband thinks that she is the most gorgeous woman on the planet and no longer has a pin-up of his favourite model on his army barracks wall as his wife is now his ultimate pin-up girl.

“Alicia loves the quality of the time that she can now spend with her kids, being able to run around and enjoy life.

“She is an amazing woman and I am so glad that she came back and rejoined my class after her two previous attempts.”

Alicia’s success forms part of an impressive 12 months for Jennifer’s slimmers who collectively lost a whopping 980 stones in 2015.

Determined dieter Alicia Haggarty dropped an amazing six dress sizes in less than a year

Jennifer added: “This is a remarkable achievement and made possible by following the Slimming World Extra Easy plan; healthy eating for all the family.

“I just love my job, it is so rewarding and I have the most amazing members. My aim to is help people lose weight, keep it off and never be hungry or feel restricted.”

Jennifer’s groups meet on Thursdays at the function suite of the Segton Bar at 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm; for more details, or to register an interest in joining, call her on 01236 607323 or 07761 476364, or visit Facebook-Jennifer Slimming World Stevens.